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• Full body MRIs cost around $2,500 and are being promoted as the "gold standard" for preventative health without proper medical context
• Unlike established screening tests, these scans haven't been evaluated by medical societies for appropriate use in healthy populations
• 15-30% of diagnostic images have at least one incidental finding, which can lead to unnecessary anxiety and further testing
• The marketing tactics use fear-based messaging about finding cancer early, which might be ethically concerning
• These services create healthcare disparities since they're only accessible to those with financial resources

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Production and Content: Edward Delesky, MD & Nicole Aruffo, RN
Artwork: Olivia Pawlowski

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We dive deep into hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), exploring its causes, symptoms, and critical treatment options for patients with diabetes and their loved ones. This episode provides essential knowledge that could potentially save lives in emergency situations.

• Hypoglycemia defined as blood sugar below 70 mg/dL, with severe cases below 54 mg/dL
• Common causes include excess insulin/medication, inadequate food intake, vigorous exercise, irregular eating patterns, and alcohol consumption
• Early symptoms include sweating, trembling, hunger and anxiety, progressing to confusion, unusual behavior, and potentially seizures if untreated
• Hypoglycemia unawareness occurs when individuals don't experience warning symptoms, putting them at serious risk
• The 15-15 rule for treatment: consume 15g of fast-acting carbs, wait 15 minutes, recheck blood sugar
• Emergency glucagon (injection or nasal spray) for severe cases when a person cannot safely consume sugar
• Children may sometimes appear asymptomatic with dangerously low blood sugar levels
• Post-hypoglycemia follow-up with healthcare providers is essential to adjust treatment plans

Share this episode with loved ones who have diabetes or anyone who might benefit from understanding how to recognize and respond to low blood sugar emergencies. Sign up for our email list at our website for notifications and additional written materials, or email us at yourcheckuppod@gmail.com.

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Production and Content: Edward Delesky, MD & Nicole Aruffo, RN
Artwork: Olivia Pawlowski

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Managing allergic rhinitis requires realistic expectations and a strategic approach to medication. Though no treatment will completely eliminate symptoms, the right combination of therapies can significantly reduce discomfort and improve quality of life during allergy season.

• Nasal corticosteroid sprays are first-line treatments that reduce inflammation in nasal passages
• Proper technique matters: point spray toward outside of nostril and sniff gently "like smelling a flower"
• Non-sedating antihistamines (Zyrtec, Claritin, Allegra) relieve itching, sneezing, and runny nose without drowsiness
• Nasal antihistamine sprays provide targeted relief and can start working within minutes
• Oral decongestants raise concerns about blood pressure and heart rate increases
• Avoid nasal decongestant sprays (like Afrin) beyond 2-3 days to prevent rebound congestion
• Combination therapies often work better than single medications
• Consider allergen immunotherapy when standard treatments don't provide adequate relief

Thank you for coming back to another episode of Your Checkup. Hopefully you were able to learn something for yourself, a loved one, or an allergic neighbor. Please check out our website, find us on Instagram, send us an email at yourcheckuppod@gmail.com and, most importantly, stay healthy my friends, until next time.

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Production and Content: Edward Delesky, MD & Nicole Aruffo, RN
Artwork: Olivia Pawlowski